Dr. Clersida Garcia was recently appointed to a
four-year seat on the Governor’s Council on Health and Physical Fitness. The
council, comprised of 50 members, serves to encourage Illinois citizens to
participate in health and fitness activities. Members work closely with Gov.
Pat Quinn in promoting and sponsoring public sporting and physical
fitness events.
Dr. Garcia is a professor in NIU College of
Education’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KNPE).
She is an expert in the field of physical education and has given lectures and
presentations at state, national, and international conferences in both
teaching and research. She is founder of the Motor Development Research Program
which serves young children in the DeKalb-Sycamore community. She started the
program to provide opportunities for NIU students to practice teaching and
observe the development of motor skills in children.
Dr. Garcia has made a
lifelong commitment to provide services to the community and enhance health
awareness, nutrition, and physical activity, among other social needs. Holding
a seat on the Governor’s Council on Health and Physical Fitness not only
rewards her individual accomplishments, but underscores KNPE’s position as an
intellectual leader in physical education issues statewide
